Spark-plug-shorting device



July 1, 1930. Y A. LIESEKE [1,769,440

- SPARK PLUG SHOR'I'ING navrc n Filed July 2a, 1928 jimewzzzweka I 3mmanew 1 0.

Patented July 1, 1930 UNITED STATES ALBERT LIESEKE, OF HARRISONVILLE,MISSOURI SPARK-PLUG-SHORTING DEVICE Application filed July 23,

This invention relates to a device especially designed for use inconnection with internal combustion engines, the primary object of theinvention being to provide means whereby a mechanic or person working onan internal combustion engine may deter mine the condition of the sparkplugs of the engine to ascertain which spark plug of the engine isinoperative.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of this characterwhich may be readily and easily positioned, the construction of thedevicefbeing such that it will be held by its frictional contact withthe plug, eliminating the necessity of securing the device by clamps, orother securing means. i.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a device of thischaracter which will automatically adjust itself for use in connectionwith spark plugs of various sizes.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which willappear as thedescription proceeds, the invention resides in the com bination andarrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafterdescribed and claimed, it being understood that changes in the preciseembodiment of the invention herein disclosed, may be made within thescope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

Referring to the drawing: 7

Figure 1 is a sectional view through a device constructed in accordancewith the invention.

Figure 2 is a front elevational View thereof.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 33 of Figure 2.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the de vice comprises 'asubstantially cone-shaped body portion 5 and a handle section 6, thehandle section being constructed of suitable insulating material so thata person positioning the device will not receive a charge through thedevice.

The handle section 6 has a tapered extremity 7 fitted in the upper endof the body portion 5 and secured in position by means of the rivet 8.

As shown, the body portion is formed of 1928. Serial No. 294,628.

sheet metal material, and constructed in such .a way that the edges ofthe body portion are spaced apart defining the space 9 which permits thebody portion to expand or contract slightly to insure a fitting of thedevice over the spark plug with which it is used, regardless as to thesize of the plug.

The length of the body portion is such that the body portion willcontact with the spark plug shell, which is indicated at A, while thenut indicated at B and which secures the cord terminal to the plug, willbe engaged by the upper portion of the body 5. Thus it will be seen thatwhen a device of this character is positioned, the electric currentpassing to the plug will be shorted through the shell of the plug.

It might be further stated that the space between the edges of the bodyportion provides a clearance for the wire leading from the coil of theignition system to the spark plug. I

The lower edges of the body portion are cut away defining curved edges10 which act to guide the device over the spark plug, should it bedesired to position the device in the dark.

In the use of the device, it is'to be understood that the number of thedevices used in testing the spark plugs of an internal combustion engineis one less than the number of spark plugs of the engine to the end thatall of the spark plugs but one will be supplied with a shortingdevice-of this type, leaving the engine to run on a single cyl- 1n er.

The devices are now moved along the I spark plugs, covering the sparkplug which has been firing, while the adjacent plug is left free tofire. This operation is continued until the dead spark plug has beenlocated, which of course will be evident by the fact that the enginewill not run when the live spark plugs are shorted, and the dead sparkplug exposed.

I claim:

A spark plug'short circuiting device, comprising a substantiallycone-shaped split body portion formed of conducting material, the edgesof the split portion being disposed ALBERT

